In a world where the rise of quantum computing threatens to render traditional encryption obsolete, the stakes for enterprise data security have never been higher. TAURIA is tackling this challenge head-on by pioneering quantum-resistant solutions that combine cutting-edge hardware acceleration and robust encryption architectures. In this blog, we explore the insights of TAURIA CEO, Professor Jesse Van Griensven, as he joins me, in a deep dive into the tangible quantum threat, the complexities of implementing post-quantum security, and the innovative approaches that are safeguarding enterprise-scale data for decades to come. From practical strategies to groundbreaking hardware advancements, this conversation illuminates the path to a quantum-safe future.
Matt Quirk: The quantum computing threat seems abstract to many organizations. How do you make it tangible for them?
Professor Jesse Van Griensven: I often ask executives to consider their most valuable data assets—intellectual property, customer information, and strategic plans. Now imagine if a competitor could perfectly preserve all of that encrypted data today and decrypt it the moment quantum computers become capable enough. That's not science fiction. Data harvesting attacks are already targeting everything from financial records to industrial designs.
The implications extend beyond data theft. As our current security and privacy mechanisms become obsolete, we face increasing risks of digital fraud and impersonation. Organizations need to consider not just the confidentiality of their data, but also its authenticity and integrity in a post-quantum world.
What's the timeframe for this threat?
Van Griensven: This is a common question, but let's reframe our perspective. The crucial consideration isn't when quantum computers will break encryption—it's how long you need your data to remain secure
If you're developing a product that will launch next month, maybe you're not concerned. But what if you're a bank holding mortgage data, a healthcare provider with patient records, or a defense contractor with classified designs? That data needs protection for decades. And the risks go beyond just data theft—quantum advances threaten privacy in multiple ways. While quantum computing may break encryption, quantum communications and sensing capabilities create new vulnerabilities for long-term data protection. The quantum threat isn't just coming—it's already here for any data that needs lasting privacy and security.
"The quantum threat isn't just coming—it's already here for any data that needs lasting privacy and security."
– Professor Jesse Van Griensven, CEO, TAURIA
Let's talk about the technical challenge. Why is quantum-resistant encryption so difficult to implement?
Van Griensven: Consider computational complexity this way. Current encryption methods are like solving a two-dimensional maze. Quantum-resistant algorithms are like solving that same maze in multiple dimensions simultaneously. We're talking about mathematical operations that require hundreds or even thousands of times more processing power than current methods.
This creates a difficult choice for organizations. Accept crippling performance impacts or leave data vulnerable to quantum attacks. A major customer we worked with found their transaction processing would slow from microseconds to milliseconds. That’s completely unacceptable for their operations.
How did TAURIA solve this performance challenge?
Van Griensven: We realized that trying to solve this through software alone was like trying to run modern gaming graphics through a basic CPU. Technically possible, but impractical. Just as graphics cards revolutionized video processing, we also needed specialized hardware. That's what led us to develop our post-quantum unit, or PQU.
The PQU is essentially a dedicated quantum-resistant encryption processor. It integrates directly into HPE ProLiant servers through PCIe interfaces, handling all the complex quantum-resistant calculations without touching the main system resources. In this way, we provide an integral secure environment rooted in hardware and software. But the true breakthrough lies in our continuous encryption architecture.
Can you explain that architecture in more detail?
Van Griensven: Traditional encryption typically operates in segments, creating secure links that are only as strong as their weakest point. Our approach is different. We integrate quantum photonic hardware and software components end-to-end, with built-in self-certification and attestation capabilities. The system features resistance to side-channel attacks and post-quantum protection. By positioning these components in close proximity to our optimized ciphering processor, we achieve comprehensive security from bottom to top, protecting both individual links and the entire data chain.
We've implemented this through various form factors. Beyond our server-grade PCIe cards, we've developed M.2 cards for smaller systems, specialized Internet of Things (IoT) modules, and even quantum-resistant e-SIM cards. Each form factor maintains the same security architecture while operating within its specific power and performance constraints.
The manufacturing process must be critical for this kind of specialized hardware.
Van Griensven: This is where our partnership with HPE provides a crucial advantage. Manufacturing quantum-resistant hardware demands unprecedented precision and security standards—far beyond conventional production requirements. Even microscopic defects could compromise the system's integrity. Furthermore, HPE's extensive certifications and security clearances have accelerated our time to market by years.
What kind of real-world performance are organizations seeing?
Van Griensven:
The results have exceeded our projections. One global telecommunications provider implemented our PQUs across their communication infrastructure. They maintain sub-millisecond latency—around 0.3ms—while processing millions of transactions at 32 Gigabits per second throughput in highly concurrent encryption/decryption scenarios per Post-Quantum Unit (PQU) PCI express board. Most importantly, they achieve this while securing both immediate communications and long-term financial contracts with quantum-resistant encryption.
Another customer faces different challenges. They need to secure client and patient data for multiple generations while maintaining instant access across hundreds of facilities. Our solution delivers 40Gbps throughput while ensuring their data remains quantum-safe for well beyond 75 years
How are different industries implementing this technology?
Van Griensven: While each industry has unique requirements, we're discovering common patterns in how they implement our technology. Critical infrastructure sectors—telecommunications, power plants, transportation systems, and industrial facilities—must secure both operational technology and business systems. Our PQU architecture provides a single quantum-resistant framework that protects everything from real-time control systems to long-term infrastructure plans.
Financial services often have the most demanding performance requirements. We're working with several global customers to secure their high-frequency trading systems, consumer banking data, and long-term financial contracts simultaneously. The continuous encryption architecture lets them maintain different security policies for different data types without creating vulnerable transition points.
What about emerging technologies like AI and autonomous systems?
Van Griensven: AI systems present fascinating security challenges. It's not just about protecting the data, you also need to secure the model architecture, training processes, and inference operations. We've enhanced our PQU architecture to handle AI-specific requirements like secure parameter updates and protected model deployment.
The autonomous vehicle sector is particularly demanding. These systems need to secure real-time sensor data, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and long-term learning models simultaneously. We've developed specialized encryption modules that can handle these multiple security domains without impacting the sub-millisecond response times required for safe operation.
How do you stay ahead of quantum computing developments?
Van Griensven: Our approach combines ongoing research with practical implementation experience. Through our work with early adopters across multiple industries, we're constantly refining our understanding of enterprise quantum security requirements. This feedback loop helps us maintain our current 18-month technology lead.
Our partnership with HPE provides crucial insights into enterprise computing roadmaps. We can see how quantum-resistant requirements will intersect with emerging technologies and adapt our hardware architecture accordingly. The next generation of PQUs, for instance, will deliver 40% faster encryption while reducing power consumption by 30%.
What developments do you see on the horizon?
Van Griensven: We're particularly focused on hybrid cloud environments. Organizations need consistent quantum-resistant security across their entire infrastructure, from on-premises systems to multiple cloud providers. Our latest development work centers on creating a unified quantum security framework that spans these diverse environments.
The IoT space is another key focus. We're seeing increased demand for quantum-resistant security in everything from industrial sensors to smart city infrastructure. The challenge is implementing post-quantum cryptography within the power and processing constraints of these devices. Our next-generation encryption modules address this through small form-factor designs that combine optimized microprocessors with ultra-low power consumption.
What practical steps should organizations take to prepare for quantum security?
Van Griensven: Start with a data lifecycle analysis. Map out how your sensitive information flows through your organization. Where does it originate? How is it processed? Where does it rest? Most importantly, assess how sensitive it is and what's at stake. Would a breach in privacy, authenticity, or integrity cause significant damage to your operations? If so, consider quantum-safe as a need, today.
Next, examine your performance requirements. Different operations have different latency tolerances. High-frequency trading needs sub-millisecond responses. Industrial control systems might accept longer latencies but require absolute reliability. Customer-facing applications balance performance against user experience. Understanding these requirements helps design the right quantum security architecture.
Looking ahead, what's your vision for quantum-safe security?
Van Griensven: The future of quantum security isn't about just protecting against quantum computers; it's about rethinking how we approach data protection entirely. We're moving toward “quantum-safe native security,” where post-quantum encryption is built into systems from the ground up rather than added as an overlay.
Our work with HPE exemplifies this approach. Today, we are integrating quantum-resistant capabilities directly into enterprise hardware, available off the shelf. This way, we're creating a foundation for long-term data security at rest and in transit. Organizations can focus on using their data to drive innovation and growth, confident that their information assets remain protected regardless of how quantum computing evolves.
The quantum threat is real, but it's also manageable with the right approach and technology. Through continued innovation and partnerships like ours with HPE, we're ensuring organizations can face the quantum future with confidence.
Learn more about how HPE OEM Solutions and TAURIA are transforming quantum security at https://www.hpe.com/us/en/oem.html
MattQuirk
With a passion for innovation and technology, I am lucky enough to work within high-growth opportunities across multiple industries including manufacturing, healthcare, energy, media and entertainment and security - with technology innovations that are advancing the way people live and work such as AI, autonomous everything and 5G.